A2 · Elementary · Travel · 103 words · ~2 min read
🚲 Renting a Bicycle in Amsterdam
Language focus: Modals · should / have to · directions
On holiday in Amsterdam, Sam wants to explore the city by bike. He goes to a small rental shop near the station.
“You have to leave a deposit,” the owner says, “and you should wear a helmet. Look out for the trams!” Sam picks up a smart blue bike.
He rides along a cycle lane beside a beautiful canal. The cobbles are a little bumpy, but the route is flat and easy to follow.
In the evening, Sam has to drop off the bike and lock it up at the shop. He returns the helmet and gets his deposit back. What a day!
Key vocabulary (8 words)
- rentalnoun
- Something you pay to use for a short time; a shop that rents things.
- depositnoun
- Money you leave as a promise, and get back later.
- helmetnoun
- A hard hat that protects your head.
- lanenoun
- A narrow part of a road, often for one type of traffic.
- canalnoun
- A man-made waterway for boats.
- routenoun
- The way you take from one place to another.
- returnverb
- To give something back.
- cobblesnoun
- Round stones that cover some old streets.
Phrasal verbs in this story
- pick up — To pick up means to collect or take something.
- drop off — To drop off means to leave or return something at a place.
- look out — To look out means to be careful and watch for danger.
- lock up — To lock up means to make something safe with a lock.
Comprehension quiz
-
Where is Sam on holiday?
- Amsterdam
- Rome
- London
Show answer
Amsterdam
-
How does he want to explore the city?
- By bike
- By plane
- By boat
Show answer
By bike
-
“You have to leave a deposit” expresses…
- obligation
- permission
- a wish
Show answer
obligation
-
What should Sam wear?
- A helmet
- A suit
- A hat
Show answer
A helmet
-
He rides beside a beautiful…
- canal
- mountain
- desert
Show answer
canal
-
“Drop off the bike” means to…
- return / leave it
- sell it
- break it
Show answer
return / leave it
All 20 A2 stories
- 💼 An Interview at the Design Agency
- 🚲 Renting a Bicycle in Amsterdam (this story)
- 🩺 At the London Doctor’s Surgery
- 🍽️ A Misunderstanding at the Dinner Party
- ✈️ Rearranging a Flight Departure
- 💻 Negotiating a Remote-Work Schedule
- 🛍️ Returning a Damaged Product
- 🩼 An Injury at the Physiotherapist
- 🌱 Volunteering at the Community Garden
- 🏰 A Tour of the Historic Castle
- 🚙 Planning a Budget Road Trip
- 🚀 Interview with a Startup Founder
- 🏦 Opening a Bank Account
- 🏢 A Flat Viewing with an Estate Agent
- 🏋️ Signing Up for a Gym Membership
- 🧳 A Lost-Luggage Claim
- 🔊 Complaining About a Noisy Neighbour
- 🚗 A Car Breakdown on the Motorway
- 🎓 A Parent–Teacher Meeting
- 👨🍳 A Weekend Cookery Class
More graded reading & practice
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